airspace flashcards

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© 2009 AOPA Air Safety Foundationwww.asf.org




Edition 4, 8/09, 403003

Mode C VeilRef: AIM 3-2-3

Description• Mode C veils exist within 30 nm of mostClass B airports. (A list of these airportsis available in FAR 91, Appendix D,Section 1)

• In some cases, Class B airspace extendsbeyond the Mode C veil

Requirements/Limitations• Mode C transponder• Certain exemptions apply. Refer to FAR91.215

Question: If I’m based within a Mode Cveil, and my transponder fails while I’moutside the veil, can I get back in?

Answer: Yes, provided you telephone theATC facility with jurisdiction over theairspace and request permission to makethe flight. Upon agreeing to conditions(including direction of flight andaltitude), you will be given a codenumber that you can mention to thecontroller upon initial radio contact.

VFR FlywaysRef. AIM 3-5-5

Description• A general flight path that helps pilotsplan flights into, out of, through, or nearcomplex terminal airspace to avoid ClassB airspace

• ATC clearance not required

Requirements/Limitations• Mode C transponder• Pilot must still comply with requirementsfor other airspace entered

• Depicted on the back of terminal areacharts

Question: Will a VFR flyway take youinto Class B airspace?

Answer: No. VFR flyways route youaround Class B airspace. Remember,though, that they may take youthrough other areas with their ownrequirements (Class D airspace, forexample).

For more information, take ASF’s KnowBefore You Go online course atwww.asf.org/kbyg.

Class B AirspaceRef. FAR 91.131 and AIM 3-2-3

Description• Surrounds certain large airports• Multiple segments with differentceiling/floor altitudes.- Example: 70/30 = ceiling 7,000 msl,floor 3,000 msl

Requirements/Limitations• ATC clearance and establish two-waycommunication prior to entering

• Maintain two-way communication withinClass B airspace

• Mode C transponder (inside the Mode Cveil)

• Visibility: Three statute miles• Cloud clearance: Clear of clouds• Student pilot operations restricted

Question: What if the controller putsme on a heading that will take me intothe airspace, but doesn’t actually tellme that I’m cleared into the airspace?

Answer: You need to hear the words“cleared into the Class B airspace,” orequivalent. If you don’t, be sure to askthe controller before you enter theairspace.


VFR TransitionRoutesRef. AIM 3-5-5

Description• Used by ATC to route VFR traffic throughClass B airspace

• Depicted on terminal area charts

Requirements/Limitations• ATC clearance• Mode C transponder• Adherence to published route and ATCinstructions

Question: How do I ask ATCpermission to use a VFR transitionroute?

Answer: On initial contact, notify ATCof your position, altitude, desired routename, and direction of flight.


Airspace Flash Cards www.asf.org

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Edition 4, 8/09, 403003

Class C AirspaceRef. FAR 91.130 and AIM 3-2-4

Description• Surrounds certain medium-sized airports• Typically 10 nm radius• Generally includes two segments:- 5 nm radius core from surface to 4,000 agl- 10 nm radius shelf from 1,200 to4,000 agl

Requirements/Limitations• Establish and maintain two-waycommunication prior to entering

• Mode C transponder• Visibility: Three statute miles• Cloud clearance:- 500 feet below- 1,000 feet above- 2,000 feet horizontal

Question: I’m departing from a smallnontowered field three miles from theprimary airport in Class C airspace.Am I required to contact ATC prior totakeoff?

Answer: Generally, you are onlyrequired to contact ATC as soon aspractical after departure. However, youshould follow any procedures specifiedin the Airport/Facility Directory: Inmany cases, you may be able tocontact ATC from the ground.

Terminal RadarService Area (TRSA)Ref. AIM 3-5-6

Description• Surrounds Class D airports withexpanded ATC radar services

Requirements/Limitations• Pilots are not required to participate• Transponder and two-way communicationfor participating aircraft

• Rules for Class D airspace within applyregardless of pilot participation withTRSA radar services

Question: Where do TRSAs fit inthe national airspace classificationsystem?

Answer: TRSAs are “leftovers” fromthe previous (pre-1993) airspaceclassification system. As a generalrule, they exist at airports wheretraffic load requires enhanced radarservice, but that aren’t busy enough tojustify Class C airspace.


IFR RoutesRef: NACO Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide

Description• Only depicted on VFR terminal areacharts

• Shows arrival and departure routes andaltitudes of IFR traffic into and out of theterminal area of Class B airspace

Requirements/Limitations• Not applicable

Question: If I’m a VFR-only pilot, whydo I need to know about IFR routes?

Answer: The IFR routes depicted onthe VFR terminal area charts shouldalert VFR pilots operating in terminalareas of arriving or departing IFRtraffic. Maintain extra vigilance whenflying through or near these routes.


Class D AirspaceRef. FAR 91.129 and AIM 3-2-5

Description• Surrounds smaller towered airports• Typically 4 nm radius• Ceiling generally 2,500 agl• Usually reverts to a Class E surface areawhen the tower is closed

• May include Class E surface areaextensions

Requirements/Limitations• Establish and maintain two-waycommunication

• Visibility: Three statute miles• Cloud clearance:- 500 feet below- 1,000 feet above- 2,000 feet horizontal

Question: Is there a speed limit withinClass D airspace?

Answer: Yes. Below 2,500 agl andwithin four nautical miles of theprimary airport, aircraft are limited to200 knots indicated airspeed.


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Edition 4, 8/09, 403003

Different Floors ofClass E AirspaceRef: NACO Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide

Description• Identifies different floor levels ofairspace greater than 700 feet agl

• When the ceiling is less than 18,000 msl,the value, prefixed by the word “ceiling,”will be shown along the limits of theairspace boundaries

Requirements/Limitations• Not Applicable

Question: Where am I likely toencounter differences in Class Eairspace depicted by this symbol?

Answer: Typically in areas of highterrain (the Grand Canyon, forexample), and off the east and westcoasts of the United States.


Class E Airspace,Transition Area(700 agl)Ref. FAR 91.127 and AIM 3-2-6(e)(3)

Description• Surrounds many nontowered airports• Extends Class E airspace downward toaccommodate IFR procedures

Requirements/LimitationsBelow 10,000 msl:• Visibility: Three statute miles• Cloud clearance:- 500 feet below- 1,000 feet above- 2,000 feet horizontal

Question: What purpose do Class Etransition areas serve?

Answer: Class E transition areas existto help IFR traffic transition to or fromthe terminal or en route environment.


Class E Airspace,Surface AreaRef. FAR 91.127 and AIM 3-2-6(e)(1)

Description• Around some airports, Class E airspacebegins at the surface, rather than thenormal 700 or 1,200 agl

• Class D airports with part-time towersusually become Class E surface areaswhen the tower is not in operation

Requirements/LimitationsBelow 10,000 msl:• Visibility: Three statute miles• Cloud clearance:- 500 feet below- 1,000 feet above- 2,000 feet horizontal

Question: Are Class E surface areasalways depicted with a dashedmagenta line?

Answer: No. When the tower ar aClass D airport is closed, theairspace—which is depicted with adashed blue line—may revert to aClass E surface area.


SpecialConservation AreaRef. AIM 7-4-6

Description• Surrounds many national parks, wildliferefuges, etc.

Requirements/Limitations• Pilots are requested to avoid flight below2,000 agl in these areas

Question: Can I legally operate below2,000 agl within a specialconservation area?

Answer: Yes, but you are requested tomaintain a minimum altitude of 2,000agl whenever possible. This can alsohelp you avoid bird strikes at lowaltitudes.


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Edition 4, 8/09, 403003

Alert AreaRef. AIM 3-4-6

Description• Established in areas with a high volumeof pilot training or unusual type of aerialactivity

Requirements/Limitations• Pilots are advised to be particularlyvigilant in scanning for traffic

Question: Do I need to contact ATCprior to entering an alert area?

Answer: No. ATC contact/clearanceis not required to enter an alert area.


Prohibited AreaRef. AIM 3-4-2

Description• Established for security reasons- Example: Camp David (P-40) inMaryland

Requirements/Limitations• Flight within a prohibited area is notpermitted

Question: How much distance shouldI maintain from prohibited areas?

Answer: You should steer well clear ofprohibited areas. Allow at least a fewmiles to account for navigation errorand variances between GPS and ATCradar positions.


Restricted AreaRef. AIM 3-4-3

Description• Separates civilian traffic from potentiallyhazardous military activities

Requirements/Limitations• VFR flight through an active restrictedarea is not permitted without priorpermission

• Check with the controlling ATC facility(noted on sectional charts) for currentstatus prior to entering

Question: May I legally fly through aninactive restricted area?

Answer: Yes, but you should becertain to contact the controlling ATCfacility for current status beforeentering the airspace.


Warning AreaRef. AIM 3-4-4

Description• Extends outward from 3 nm off the coast• Warns pilots of potentially hazardousactivities

Requirements/Limitations• VFR flight through active warning areasis permitted, though not recommended

Question: Am I required to contactATC before entering a warning area?

Answer: No, but you should contactthe controlling ATC facility for statusinformation prior to entry. Activewarning areas can be dangerous togeneral aviation aircraft.


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Edition 4, 8/09, 403003

Military TrainingRoutes (MTRs)Ref: AIM 3-5-2

Description• MTRs prefixed with the letters ‘IR’ arefor IFR flights

• MTRs prefixed with the letters ‘VR’ arefor VFR flights

• MTRs with a letter suffix (i.e., A, B, etc.)denote an alternate route

• MTRs with four numbers denote routesflown at 1,500 agl and below

• MTRs with three numbers denote routeswith at least one segment above 1,500 agl

Requirements/Limitations• Not Applicable, extreme vigilancerecommended

Question: What is a military trainingroute?

Answer: A military training route, orMTR, is used by the military forconducting low-altitude, high-speed flighttraining. Typically the routes above 1,500agl are flown under IFR, and the routesbelow 1,500 are flown under VFR.Contact Flight Service for MTR activitythat might affect your route of flight.


Special FlightRules AreaRef. Part 91 Special Federal AviationRegulations (SFARs)

Description• Depicts airspace subject to specialregulation- Examples: Grand Canyon, Washington,D.C. area

Requirements/Limitations• As specified by SFAR• For operating rules, refer to the chartlegend or the SFAR section at thebeginning of FAR Part 91

Question: What kinds of proceduresexist for flying within SFAR areas?

Answer: Procedures vary. In theGrand Canyon, for example, specialtransition routes and altitude rulesapply.

Military OperationsArea (MOA)Ref. AIM 3-4-5

Description• Established to allow military trainingactivities

Requirements/Limitations• VFR pilots may fly through active MOAs,but are advised to exercise extremecaution

• Pilots should check with thecontrolling ATC facility (noted onsectional charts) for MOA status priorto entering an MOA

Question: What kinds of military flightoperations take place within MOAs?

Answer: High-speed flight, aerobaticmaneuvers, and low-level flight can allbe expected. In certain MOAs, “lightsout” night training is also permitted.

For more information, take ASF’sKnow Before You Go online course atwww.asf.org/kbyg and ASF’s Mission:Possible course atwww.asf.org/mission_possible. Also,view ASF’s Lights-Out safety advisor atwww.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa21.pdf

National SecurityArea (NSA)Ref. AIM 3-5-7

Description• Established around areas requiringspecial security precautions

Requirements/Limitations• Pilots are requested to avoid flight belowa specified altitude within the NSA

• Flight may be temporarily restricted orprohibited by notam

Question: Where might I expect tofind an NSA?

Answer: NSAs can be establishedanywhere a need for greater securityexists, but are most often seen aroundgovernment/military installations.


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Edition 4, 8/09, 403003

Flight RestrictedZone (D.C. FRZ)Ref. FAR Part 93

Description• 13 -15 nm radius of DCA VOR/DME• Surface up to 17,999 msl

Requirements/Limitations• General aviation flights are prohibitedwith limited exceptions

• Refer to www.aopa.org/security foradditional information

Question: Is there any way I canlegally fly into the FRZ?

Answer: Yes. Before flying into theFRZ, you must undergo a backgroundcheck and follow special procedures.


Washington, D.C. SFRA(Special Flight Rules Area)Ref. AIM 5-6-1, FAR Part 93

Description• 30 nm radius of the DCA VOR/DME• Speed restriction ring 30 to 60 nmradius of the DCA VOR/DME

• Surface up to 17,999 msl

Requirements/Limitations• Active IFR or D.C. SFRA flight plan• Two-way radio communication• Discrete transponder code (Mode C)• Enter and exit via specific “gates”• 180 KIAS or less in the D.C. SFRA, if able• 230 KIAS or less in the 30 to 60 nmspeed restriction ring, if able

• Refer to www.aopa.org/security foradditional information

• Before operating within 60 nm of theD.C. SFRA, pilots must complete FAA’sonline training course

Question: If I’m given permission toenter the Washington, D.C. SFRA, do Ialso have permission to enter theClass B airspace within?

Answer: No. You need a specificclearance to enter the Class Bairspace.


Temporary FlightRestriction (TFR)Ref. AIM 3-5-3

Description• Most TFRs are not charted, althoughsome longer-term TFRs are

Requirements/Limitations• As specified by notam

Question: How much notice is givenprior to the establishment of a TFR?

Answer: In some cases, TFRs areestablished with little or no notice. Geta thorough Flight Service or DUATSbriefing just prior to flight and call forupdates when airborne. AOPAmembers can use the AOPA InternetFlight Planner (AIFP) to plan routesaround current and upcoming TFRs.

Access the AIFP online atwww.aopa.org/aifp. Obtain notams onlineat www,aopa.org/whatsnew/notams

Contiguous U.S. ADIZ(Air Defense Identification Zone)Ref. AIM 5-6-1

Description• Surrounds the nation’s eastern,southern, and western borders

Requirements/Limitations• IFR or DVFR (Defense VFR) flight plan• Discrete transponder code (Mode C)• DVFR aircraft must make positionreports prior to entering

• Two-way radio communication• 12” N-numbers

Question: What is a DVFR flightplan, and why is one required for VFRaircraft that enter the contiguousU.S. ADIZ?

Answer: A normal VFR flight plan isnot transmitted to ATC: It exists forsearch-and-rescue purposes only. ADVFR (Defense VFR) flight plan istransmitted to ATC, letting controllersknow that the aircraft will beapproaching an ADIZ under VFR.

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